Biological Research Volunteer Programs Abroad

Throughout my placement in Croatia, IVHQ provided me with the relevant help and support needed to make my stay as stress free as possible. I would highly recommend this company and encourage anyone contemplating a placement.

Overall I had an amazing time at the jungle project from the people to the activities itself I have no bad words to say. Emily, Cristobal and Aldho were amazing and made the experience super enjoyable.

My internship at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects pushed me far beyond what I expected, taking me from supporting program logistics to independently running counseling sessions and managing my own client caseload within just a few months. I was trusted with real responsibility early on, from leading a group of 45 adult learners on my own to adapting a therapeutic intervention on short notice for an urgent client referral, and that trust taught me more about clinical work and resilience than I could have learned in a classroom. This experience confirmed that clinical psychology, particularly cross-cultural and community-based care, is exactly the path I want to pursue.

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

I was, probably like some of you, a bit sceptical when initially applying due to the low price compared to other organisations. However, the experience I had was absolutely amazing and I have learnt so much about not only myself, but about different cultures and etiquettes. My program manager, Marissa, was absolutely fantastic at answer all of my questions and adjusting any mistakes I submitted onto my application such as flight number and pick-up time. Despite the huge time difference between Marissa and myself, she was able to reply to my email promptly and with extreme care - I was really at ease throughout the whole process and that made the experience a bunch better. Everything on my volunteering was as described on the program guide and there were no surprises when I landed, everything that happened during my week I was prepared for. I would really recommend this company and I want to thank them once more for the fantastic and truly life-changing experience they provided for me.

I had such a wonderful experience in Split! I met so many amazing people from different countries and made memories that I will definitely never forget. The Youth Support program gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community, experience a different culture and grow personally at the same time. The local team was very welcoming and supportive and I always felt comfortable asking questions or getting help when needed. I especially loved the international atmosphere and meeting people with completely different backgrounds and stories.besides volunteering, I had enough time to explore Split, enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature and experience Croatian culture. This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, become more independent and see things from new perspectives. I’m really grateful for all the people I met and everything I experienced during my time here. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, volunteer, meet new people and create unforgettable memories abroad. ❤️

The support and organization of IVHQ was strong and great. Traveling and volunteering with a family of five, with 3 Jr High School kids but was amazing. Very comfortable and things were laid out well, we all felt extremely safe and comfortable the entire experience.

I really enjoyed my volunteer experience with Maximo Nivel at the nursing home. The staff was welcoming, supportive, and made me feel like part of the team. While it wasn’t quite the hands-on medical experience I was expecting, it was still incredibly rewarding to spend time with the residents and learn more about the local culture and healthcare environment. The experience reminded me that compassionate care is about more than medical procedures. Overall, I had a great time, met amazing people, and would recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity in Costa Rica.

I had a great time volunteering for this program. I did not know what to expect from Cusco and it was a cool way to throw myself out there and get out of my comfort zone. For people solo travelling alone, this program made it easy and comforting to do. I learned a lot and had lots of hands on experience.

My first experience as a volunteer abroad and I precisely picked upbio up because they seemed serious committed and professional. I wasn't wrong! Their project is effective and they are making a difference. I'm glad I have been part of this for a while.

My internship has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. My co-workers are what made my time there so memorable. Connect-123 made the entire process smooth and easy, especially Antonella and Xena. They were both so kind, supportive, and helpful every step of the way. I’m so grateful I got to meet my program group, it was truly an amazing experience!

The preparation before trip was so detailed that I don’t have anything to worry about. It got everything listed and made it so much easier to tick off what I’ve done and what they need. The communication with the manager for the volunteer was so smooth and fast, and I was able to get a reply current evening or next morning (due to different timing in different countries). I wanted to change my volunteer from rural teaching to turtle reservation, it was so fast that there wasn’t any problems with the money nor arrangements, everything just went so smoothly, really impressed. The local team there really helped a lot, the driver, the leader, everyone was just so nice, even the cook and the receptionist. This volunteer as itself also helped me a lot on raising awareness for the sea turtles, learnt a lot and really hope to help them consistently. This is such a memorable trip and I hope to do these volunteers with IVHQ next summer with my friends.

My time at the Betary Reserve of IPBio was an unforgettable experience. I came here as a student to complete my bachelor's degree thesis and internship. Alongside helping with the eco-volunteering activities, I also worked on my own research project. The staff gave me great guidance for my project! As most of the staff have lived in Iporanga all their lives, they know so much about the Atlantic Rainforest. I learnt a lot from them! The reserve is located in a beautiful area with lots of amazing wildlife. It was such an amazing opportunity to help with research activities over here! I stayed in the volunteer house with the other volunteers and made friends for life. In our free time, we enjoyed lots of fun activities, such as visiting caves and waterfalls, swimming in the river or barbecuing with all the volunteers and staff. Iporanga, the closest town to the reserve, is a very safe and lovely place. The locals are really kind and very welcoming. I would definitely like to come back here in the future!

We would spend the days doing often manual labour and venturing deep into the jungle to collect data, but we still had a lot of time to bond with other volunteers and the staff. Emily, Aldo and Cristobal were all very helpful and they really embodied genuine passion for the conservation of nature. I highly advise anyone interested to try the program, as you really begin to appreciate the Amazon and its importance

Coming to Barcelona with Connect 123 was one of the best decisions I've made. They were incredibly helpful in helping find me an internship I felt comfortable and confident in and always very communicative. The housing they provided was amazing, and in a great location. Barcelona is now one of my favorite cities

As my time in Ireland comes to a close, I want to thank Connect-123 for partnering with Bucknell University to provide students like me with an opportunity like this. As an undergraduate, it can often feel stressful trying to gain relevant work experience while preparing for your future career. Thanks to Connect-123, I was placed with a company in a field aligned with my career goals, allowing me to grow professionally while exploring a new part of the world. This experience has given me valuable workplace experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for living and working abroad. Thank you for making it possible!

This experience has been nothing short of incredible. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. My internship could not have been a more perfect match. I have gained not only new skills but also a new perspective as well. Outside of the internship, exploring this beautiful city has been so fun. Carla, the program coordinator, is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She planned the most fun activities for our group and was truly invested in our well-being!

I highly recommend this program. The role of Amazon research assistant is very accessible to anyone interested in the natural world and provides valuable information on biodiversity to the scientific community which is essential to conservation. Imran, Marleen and Martha are incredible people, Well connected and appreciated by the local communities and you feel like you're having a positive impact. You live with other volunteers in a nice place with a pool, though be warned it is a bit far from town (45min walk) but you can ask the neighbour to taxi for a price. I made valuable connections with the other volunteers who kind of become your family for a time :) You get to see loads of animals and I've also seen the best sunset of my life in Alter do Chao from the beach over the massive river and enjoyed the Carimbo (local dance) parties that happen every Thursday.

Following this program was a unique experience that I will never forget. I thought it gave a great balance of working at my internship, meeting new people, and exploring the new country. The opportunities each weekend gave great insights and experiences to explore outside of where we were staying and i highly recommend going to each one.

If I had to sum up my experience at the Okavango Wilderness Project in one word it would be “monate”, which, coincidentally, is one of the only two words in Setswana I managed to learn in my two weeks there. It roughly translates to “good” in English, which might sound a bit anticlimactic, but the kind of “good” you'd use for a good day, a good meal or a good life. And I find that quite fitting. Botswana had been on my bucket list for quite a long time, especially after my time in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia, which made me fall more in love with Africa and its breathtaking nature each time. The Okavango Delta, specifically, was one of those destinations I had kept in my list of “places to visit before I die”. I didn’t want to see it from an outsider’s perspective however, I wanted to experience it from an active conservation perspective and see it through the eyes of the people who call it their home. Finding a project which ticked all my boxes seemed like quite a difficult search, but African Conservation Experience offered me exactly that. They took the time to answer each and every one of my questions (before, during and after my trip) with patience, and believe me, it took a lot of kindness and care. They ensured my experience was smooth and hassle-free each step of the way, from my first enquiry to my check-in at Johannesburg airport after my experience, when I was feeling absolutely miserable because I was going back home. Whoever knows me also knows that two weeks in a bush camp with minimal facilities would be a challenge, but I was up for it. It actually made the experience even more memorable. The hecticness and chaos of ordinary life was shut down, and we were free to enjoy and truly experience our surroundings. And if I survived it (and loved it), believe me, anyone can. The transect we went on each day actually fed data to a government database, as Dr. Christiaan Winterbach, in charge of the research project, took the time to explain to us. With so many variables simultaneously interacting and impacting the wellbeing of the Delta, of its wildlife and of its people, this monitoring becomes a vital activity. Knowing that by participating, you actively support such an endeavour gives you peace of mind. You get to enjoy the beauty of the Delta while also giving something back. While we were going on daily game drives, each one with new, marvellous sightings, we knew we were actively contributing to wildlife management in the Delta. I’ll forever remember the sunsets, the sense of freedom and complete contentment as the jeep drove on the bumpy roads of Botswana, the sense of awe and surprise each sighting brought. From the majestic elephants trumpeting at us to the colourful and graceful lilac-breasted roller, from a lioness nursing her four cubs to a leopard crouched down in the shrubs waiting to hunt a group of impalas. This, in and of itself, would have already made the experience absolutely priceless. But what really made this experience exceptional for me was the people who shared these two weeks with me and the sense of community we managed to create, even over a short period of time. I’ll always be grateful to Okavango project staff, for their kindness and experience, and for making us feel like we were truly part of a team. The same goes for the volunteers who shared this experience with me. I’ll remember the endless laughter and the banter around the dinner table after a day of beautiful sightings. I’ll also remember the Setswana lessons, one of my fellow volunteer’s snoring covering the roars of lions and the hyenas’ calls at night, and our guides asking us to identify plants and trees while already knowing they would be met by general confusion. It really feels like I’ve just dreamt all of this. There was too much beauty and happiness contained over the course of two weeks for it to feel real. I can’t wait to go back, it’ll be a way of pinching myself, to make sure it wasn’t just a dream. In the meantime, all I can do is cherish all of the memories and nostalgically go through my photos from a wonderful two weeks at the Okavango Wilderness Project.